Review of Royal Gourmet CC1830V Charcoal Grill for Backyard and Outdoor Cooking

Description

A Versatile Charcoal Grill for Outdoor Enthusiasts

The Royal Gourmet CC1830V 30 Barrel Charcoal Grill immediately caught my eye, not just because of its sleek black powder-coated finish, but also because of its thoughtful design and functionality. As someone who loves hosting backyard BBQs and experimenting with different grilling techniques, I was eager to test this grill and see if it lived up to its glowing reviews. Spoiler alert: it has its quirks, but it’s a solid choice for anyone seeking a spacious and feature-packed charcoal grill.

Design and Build Quality

What struck me right away was the grill’s sturdy construction. Made from porcelain-enameled steel wire for the cooking grates and durable steel for other components, it feels robust without being overly heavy. Weighing in at just under 38 pounds, it’s easy enough to move around my patio without breaking a sweat. The addition of wooden handles is a nice touch—they stay cool, even when the grill is blazing hot.

Its 627 square inches of cooking space is a big win. This includes a 443 sq. in. main cooking area and a 184 sq. in. warming rack, which was perfect for keeping veggies or buns warm while I focused on the main course. The side and front tables, both wood-painted, are not just for aesthetics—they’re super handy for holding utensils, plates, or that much-needed BBQ sauce bottle.

Performance and Heat Control

Grilling on this unit is a breeze, thanks to its adjustable fire grates. Using the lifting handles, I could easily raise or lower the charcoal pan to control the heat intensity. This feature came in particularly handy when grilling delicate fish that needed a gentler heat.

The side air vent and smoke stack offer impressive heat control. Closing the air vent allowed me to snuff out the coals efficiently, while adjusting the smoke stack helped fine-tune the temperature. I found the lid-mounted temperature gauge accurate enough for monitoring the internal heat, making it easier to achieve that perfect smoky flavor.

Positives

Favorable Aspects:

• Spacious Cooking Area: The large grilling surface is fantastic for hosting bigger groups.
• Adjustable Charcoal Pan: Provides excellent control over heat and cooking speed.
• Convenient Ash Pan: Cleanup is hassle-free with the easy-to-dump ash pan.
• Additional Storage: Side and front tables add convenience for prep and storage.

Areas for Improvement

Negative Attributes:

• Assembly Required: Putting it together took longer than expected, and some instructions were a bit vague.
• Paint Durability: While the powder coating looks great initially, I noticed some slight discoloration near the hottest areas after testing.
• Warming Rack Stability: The warming rack is useful but feels a tad flimsy compared to the rest of the grill.

Competing Products

When comparing this grill to similar models, like the Weber Original Kettle or the Char-Griller E1515 Patio Pro, it holds its ground impressively. The Royal Gourmet offers a significantly larger cooking area than the Weber, which is great for those hosting larger gatherings. However, the Weber’s ceramic-coated lid is better at retaining heat and has a more premium feel. On the other hand, the Char-Griller is more compact and portable but lacks the versatile fire grate adjustments that make the Royal Gourmet stand out.

One area where this grill shines is its integrated storage and prep space, which sets it apart from competitors. While some users might prefer the simplicity of a kettle grill, the added features of this unit make it ideal for more complex cooking setups.

Price to Quality Ratio

Considering the grill’s build quality, cooking capacity, and added features, I’d say it offers excellent bang for your buck. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, it’s far from the most expensive, and the adjustable fire grates and spacious warming rack alone justify the investment. If you’re someone who values a combination of functionality and aesthetics, this grill is worth considering.

Overall, while the setup could be smoother and the warming rack sturdier, this grill is a reliable and versatile choice for anyone looking to elevate their outdoor cooking game.

Additional information